Conference Name: 10th World Melioidosis Congress
NT location: Darwin, Northern Territory (NT), Australia
Conference venue: Darwin Convention Centre
Pax: 180 delegates
About the event
The 10th World Melioidosis Congress (WMC) staged in Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) in October 2024 brought together global melioidosis experts, researchers, policymakers and stakeholders from over 23 countries. Under the theme ‘Unity in Diversity: Global Partnerships in Melioidosis’, the three-day congress was staged by the International Melioidosis Network and hosted by Australia’s Menzies School of Health Research, which is headquartered in Darwin, the NT’s tropical capital city.
Attracting this prestigious medical event to Darwin and the NT was a collaboration between Menzies School of Health Research, Northern Territory Business Events (NTBE), the official convention bureau for the Northern Territory, and the Darwin Convention Centre. With melioidosis a disease prevalent in tropical regions such as the NT, significant support was provided for the Congress by the NT Government via its business unit, NTBE which administers the NT Business Events Support Fund.
Darwin an ideal fit
The Congress brought an international focus to the exceptional work undertaken by the Menzies School of Health Research, which has dedicated 35 years to specialist melioidosis research. It is also a leading global tropical medical institute dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Darwin’s close proximity to key Asian aviation hubs in Indonesia and Singapore as well as its connectivity to many Australian capital city and regional airports enabled the city to offer a strategic congress location for delegates from across Australia, Asia and further afield.
A showcase of the destination and NT expertise
WMC was staged at the Darwin Convention Centre, which organisers described as a “world-class location” at the expansive Darwin Waterfront Precinct, with a range of accommodation options available. The Congress program included plenary sessions, workshops and poster presentations, with some delegates visiting Menzies School of Health Research to learn more about the invaluable work it undertakes.
The social program included an official Welcome Reception, hosted by the NT Government and held at Parliament House and also a Congress Gala Dinner staged at the nearby Mindil Beach Casino Resort which provided stunning over-water sunset views.
Ancient culture enhances Congress
Congress organisers sought to maximise delegate engagement with the NT’s 65,000-year-old Aboriginal culture, which included having the Congress logo designed by a local Aboriginal artist.
An Aboriginal Smoking Ceremony was conducted by Larrakia Nation, Traditional Owners of the Darwin region, and a Welcome to Country delivered at the opening session. Delegates also participated in a Larrakia Saltwater Ceremony in the Darwin Waterfront Lagoon, just a short walk from the convention centre. Delegate feed-back noted these cultural connections as being amongst the many unique and meaningful Congress highlights.
Congress “best yet”
Many delegates extended their stay in the NT for a week in order to explore the nearby Nitmiluk, Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks. The opportunity to reconnect with leading experts and researchers from around the world in a friendly and engaging setting led many delegates to declare the Congress the "best yet."
Chairman of the Congress Organising Committee, Professor Bart Currie, spoke highly of the event:
“A big thank you to everyone who made the 10th World Melioidosis Congress a success. After five years, it was a pleasure to host this event, and we hope the outcomes will make a real difference. Special thanks to the Menzies School of Health Research team for making it all possible.”
Congress Convenor, Professor Mark Mayo from the Menzies School of Health Research, summed up the Congress outcomes:
"Hosting the 10th World Melioidosis Congress in Darwin exceeded expectations. National and international delegates from across 23 countries engaged in meaningful conversations, expert learnings and discussions about collaborations that will improve outcomes globally. Delegates thoroughly enjoyed themselves and took advantage of the incredible tourist opportunities that Darwin and the greater Northern Territory provided."
A WMC Congress delegate gets acquainted with one of the NT locals.